The eleventh lunar cycle is known as the Snow Moon. At this time of the year in Western cultures
throughout Europe and North America, the Earth is blanketed with the first snows of the winter season.
The cold grasp of winter’s ice and snow has begun to take hold. It is a difficult time for those who
depend upon the kindness of nature for their survival.
Yet in this time the peoples of many cultures do not dwell on the harshness of the season. When they regard
the white Moon in the heavens, they may not see a reflection of the ice and snow that makes each day a
challenge to their continued survival. They may see, instead, the silver light of hope. They look upon
the Snow Moon and know in their hearts that the winter will not last forever; the warmth of spring will
once again rule the lands.
The legends of the Snow Moon are stories of transition and hope. The tales reflect an ending to the frozen
grip of winter and herald the beginning of hope and warmth and, perhaps, love.
The Snow Queen
Denmark
Some legends remember the Moon as the watchful light that soars above all. She is the hope of the days to
come. She is the watchful eye that is ever mindful of the fate of children. She is the bright tomorrow
that brings promise through the night sky when the snows fall in winter.
The following tale is similar to many of the ancient’s tales, but has been empowered with a special child-
like magic such as only could have been derived from the visionary genius of Hans Christian Anderson,
the great teller of tales.
In the center of a small village after the fall of a fresh snow, all the children gathered to enjoy sliding and
playing on the newly fallen snow. The boldest children attached themselves to the carts of the people
who passed; the carts would move along with the children sliding merrily behind.
A boy named Kay noticed a large sled approaching the scene of the winter merriment. The driver was
covered from crown to feet in white fur. After circling twice around the laughing children, the driver
steered the big sled close enough so that Kay grabbed on and was carried through the snow.
The sled went faster and faster, away from Kay’s companions, and right out of the village. The snow began
to fall anew. It fell so fast and thick that Kay could not see right in front of him. He tried to let loose of
the big sled but somehow he was held fast. He tried to call out for help but no one heard. The snow
kept falling and the sled kept moving faster and faster.
Sometimes the big sled jumped and Kay found himself flying through the air over crevices and above the
hedges that rose above the snow. Still the sled continued on, never slowing.
Finally, the big sled came to a stop. The driver arose and Kay could see the tall, thin figure of a woman. It
was not until then that Kay saw that her adornments of white fur were made of the purest snow. This
was the Snow Queen that Kay remembered from the tales his grandfather told him.
Kay looked all around the strange and magical place the Snow Queen had carried him. Beneath him, he
heard the songs of the wind. The wolves howled and the snow sparkled. Above him in the winter sky,
the heavens were filled with screaming black crows. Higher still, above the darkness, Kay could see
bright Moon watching over him.
Each day, Kay slept at the feet of the Snow Queen in the land of winter snow. By night, he gazed at the
bright Moon above him. So it continued through time. His days were spent in frozen slumber. His
nights were filled with the light of hope.
In time Gerda, Kay’s closest friend, braved strange lands and unknown perils to rescue him. Until then, the
Moon watched over Kay each night to ensure his survival and stay him from loosing all hope amid his
icy existence.
Children still look to the Moon to watch over them through the night. As Kay was sustained through the
endless winter of the Snow Queen, so are children still comforted by the Moon’s light through the
darkness.
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